CPL 150 Anniversary

Since first opening our doors in 1873, we've served all Chicagoans with free and open places to gather, learn, connect, read and be transformed. Join us in celebrating 150 years of serving our communities.

Follow the fun: #CPL150

Join the Celebration

Join the citywide birthday party! View events happening at every location on June 10:

Faces of CPL

See the faces of Chicago Public Library who helped to shape our story and live our mission.

News at CPL

New at CPL

Introducing Chicago Poet Laureate: avery r. young

young will serve a two-year term working on new poems and public programs, serving as an ambassador for literary and creative communities.

New at CPL

CPL 150 Parties and More: Celebrate Chicago Culture with CPL

Join Culture in My Neighborhood events and 150th anniversary celebrations around the city.

New at CPL

ChiTeen Stories: Photo Challenge For Teens

Calling all teens: celebrate CPL's 150th anniversary with us! Learn how to participate in the ChiTeen Stories Photo Challenge this summer.

New at CPL

Join the Inaugural One Poem, One Chicago

Join One Poem, Once Chicago for an opportunity to engage in poetry and a sense of community through reading!

CPL Through the Years

Kids with their 81 Club cards

Stories We Tell: The History of the Mayfair Branch Exhibit

Stories We Tell: The History of the Chicago Bee Branch Exhibit

Stories We Tell: The History of the Clearing Branch Exhibit

Stories We Tell: Branch Exhibits

Explore the exhibit series celebrating 150 years of Chicago Public Library at branches around the system. Learn more.

150 Books We Love

Chinatown Branch: This branch is one of the first CPL modern branches, encapsulating the spirit of the community. It shows how every branch is an integral part of the Chicago communities.

CTA map with library location pins: This is inspired by the tagline, "In Every Neighborhood. For Every Chicagoan." The goal is to showcase the breadth of CPL branches, being in 81 locations across 77 community areas.

Open book: At the heart of the library is a book.

CPL 150 Store

Shop the CPL 150 Store, with a portion of every sale going to the Chicago Public Library Foundation.

Thanks to the following organizations for supporting CPL 150:

Chicago Public Library Foundation logo
Back to Top